'It's been a tough time': Karl Stefanovic speaks after axing

Karl Stefanovic has spoken out after it was announced he would be dumped as the host of the Today show after almost 15 years.

The Nine Network announced the shock axing on Wednesday with a statement, revealing the embattled TV presenter will ‘step off’ the breakfast program.

“For the last 14 years I’ve co-hosted the best show on television,” Karl said in a statement.

“I can’t thank Nine enough for the opportunity. I never in my wildest dreams thought I would be good enough to host this grand show for so long.

“Thanks to our viewers mostly, you are what matters most. It’s been a tough time. Thanks for hanging in there. I look forward to seeing you in another capacity at this great Network soon.”

The 44-year-old, who is currently on his honeymoon in Aspen, after marrying Jasmine Yarbrough last week, has been with the channel for the past 14 years and will still host This Time Next Year which begins in February.

“Nine and Karl Stefanovic have agreed it is time for him to step off the Today Show,” news and current affairs director Darren Wick said in a statement on Wednesday.

Stefanovic has been weathering media criticism since leaving his wife of more than 20 years and then dating Jasmine Yarbrough.

The news comes after his younger brother Peter Stefanovic, who was most recently fronting Weekend Today and some 60 Minutes segments, announced he would be leaving the network.

“Peter has decided to explore new opportunities and is looking forward to spending weekends with his wife,” read a statement from a Channel Nine representative on Tuesday.

Crisis talks were held earlier today at the network and it was understood top level executives were called into meetings, the Daily Telegraph reported.

The future of several of the network’s other high profile breakfast TV talent remains unknown.

Sources told The Daily Telegraph that Peter’s departure was just the start of a major talent shake-up for the show both on week days and the weekend.

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